Jeremy Lin delivering spark off bench

Jeremy Lin had his first full game in his role as a sixth man Thursday, scoring 16 points in 31 minutes, including the final 6:11 of the game.

He has averaged 15.3 points on a team-best 54.7 percent shooting and 43.8 3-point shooting. Lin is third in the NBA in points scored per minute on drives.

“I like Jeremy coming in and being aggressive,” coach Kevin McHale said of bringing Lin off the bench. “I told him, nothing is going to change with him. I think he has played very well this year. I think he’s played better this year than he has at any point last year. I think he’s livelier. I think he’s attacking more. I think he has more bounce. It gives us a potent scorer coming off the bench, which is great. His turnovers are down. He’s doing a lot of really great things.

“We’re going to take a look at this and use him for a big spark off the bench. He’s going to usually play the same amount of minutes, just at different times.”

Lin said he is more comfortable in the Rockets’ system than last season and is determined to play the same way whether starting or off the bench, at point guard or shooting guard.

“I’m just trying to play,” Lin said. “God has given me a great opportunity to play basketball. My agent (Roger Montgomery) reminded me yesterday, a couple years ago I didn’t think I was going to be in the league anymore. I’m just trying to be thankful for every opportunity. I get to play basketball for a living in the best league in the world. I’m just trying to go out there and have as much fun as I can.”